Seven local players picked for national squad

After the conclusion of open trials for locally-based players, seven players from the NIVEA for Men SuperLeague have been invited to join the senior men’s national squad in July.

They include three Roma St Vincent’s players Shane Callaghan, Emmet Donnelly, Peter Madsen as well as two from UCC Demons - Colin and Niall O’Reilly.

Finishing off the line-up are Eoin O’Brien of the Gleneagle Lakers and Kieran O’Brienfrom DART Killester.

At the end of July, around 12 overseas-based players will join them after three training camps in a different centre in Ireland.

The aim of all players will be to gain selection in a 15-man squad that will compete against Austria, Lebanon and Portugal at the National Basketball Arena in August 26 to 28.

Performances in the international friendlies will determine selection of the 12-man senior men’s national team to compete in the 2006 leg of the European Championships.

2006 Ireland Men Schedule:

3 Sept. 06 Switzerland v Ireland (Away)

9 Sept. 06 Ireland v Romania (Home)

16 Sept. 06 Ireland v Cyprus (Home)